Part of my journey to optimum health has been removing toxins from my daily life. I was never a big user of pharmaceutical drugs to begin with, but I have cut them out of my life completely for the last 18 months and instead use essential oils for first aid, pain relief, inflammation etc... I tossed all my drug store brand cosmetics in the trash and replaced them with vegan and/or pure alternatives. When I lived on my own I used natural cleaning products like essential oils, lemon and vinegar.
I can't avoid toxins 24/7 (hello, environmental pollution!) but if I can lessen the burden to my body in my own home, why not?!
Essential oils have become quite popular lately but they are nothing new. There are over 200 references to aromatic plants in the Bible and 10 of 27 books in the New Testament mention essential oils! My favourites include lavender, peppermint and lemon.
Lavender is the most versatile of all essential oils. This highly soothing scent helps both the mind and body. It may help ease occasional stress and tension. It may be used to cleanse cuts, bruises and skin irritations. Here are just a few ways I use this oil:
Peppermint is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion. It has also been traditionally used to promote alertness and stimulate the senses. I use this refreshing and cooling essential oil for many things:
Lemon has antiseptic-like properties. This vibrant aroma may invigorate your senses. Please note, citrus oils should not be applied to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight or UV light within 72 hours. Here's a sample of ways I use lemon oil:
Please use caution when purchasing essential oils. Many stores carry essential oils that are for aromatic purposes only and they contain fillers and other ingredients. You must find therapeutic-grade essential oils if you want to use them safely on the skin and for consumption. I currently use Genesis Pure essential oils which are 100% PURE and USDA certified organic. They do not contain any fillers or carriers.
Please don't hesitate to contact me via Twitter (@mbouf) or Facebook (Melissa-Boufounos) for more information on essential oils and their uses.
I can't avoid toxins 24/7 (hello, environmental pollution!) but if I can lessen the burden to my body in my own home, why not?!
Essential oils have become quite popular lately but they are nothing new. There are over 200 references to aromatic plants in the Bible and 10 of 27 books in the New Testament mention essential oils! My favourites include lavender, peppermint and lemon.
Lavender is the most versatile of all essential oils. This highly soothing scent helps both the mind and body. It may help ease occasional stress and tension. It may be used to cleanse cuts, bruises and skin irritations. Here are just a few ways I use this oil:
- Rub lavender oil on the feet for a calming effect on the body
- Rub a drop of lavender oil on your pillow to help you sleep
- Put a drop of lavender oil on a bee sting or insect bite to stop itching and reduce swelling
- Put a few drops of lavender oil on a minor burn to decrease pain
- Drop lavender oil on a cut to stop bleeding, clean wound and kill bacteria
- Rub a drop of lavender oil over the bridge of the nose to unblock tear ducts
- Rub a drop of lavender oil on chapped or sunburnt lips or skin
- To reduce the formation of scar tissue, massage lavender oil on and around the affected area
- Rub several drops of lavender oil into the scalp to eliminate dandruff
- Place a few drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball and place in your closet to scent linens and repel moths and insects
- Place a few drops of lavender oil on a wet cloth and throw in the dryer to deodorize and freshen your laundry
- Apply a few drops of lavender oil to a rash to stop the itching and soothe the skin
- Put a drop of lavender oil under your tongue to alleviate the symptoms of allergies
Peppermint is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion. It has also been traditionally used to promote alertness and stimulate the senses. I use this refreshing and cooling essential oil for many things:
- Rub a few drops of peppermint oil over the stomach and around the naval to relieve indigestion, flatulence and diarrhea
- Add a drop of peppermint oil to herbal tea to aid digestion and relieve heartburn
- Massage a few drops of peppermint oil on an area of injury or chronic inflammation (unbroken skin)
- Rub a few drops of peppermint on the bottoms of the feet to reduce fever
- Inhale peppermint oil before and during a workout to boost your mood and reduce fatigue
- Rub a drop of peppermint oil on the temples, forehead and on the back of the neck to relieve a headache
- Diffuse peppermint oil in a room while studying to improve concentration and accuracy
- Place a few drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls and place along the path or point of entry to deter rodents, ants, cockroaches and spiders
- Rub peppermint oil on joints to relieve pain
Lemon has antiseptic-like properties. This vibrant aroma may invigorate your senses. Please note, citrus oils should not be applied to skin that will be exposed to direct sunlight or UV light within 72 hours. Here's a sample of ways I use lemon oil:
- Use a few drops of lemon oil to remove gum, oil, grease spots or crayon
- Rub a drop of lemon oil on a corn, callous, bunion or wart mornings and evenings until it disappears
- Clean and increase shelf life of fresh fruit
- Use a few drops of lemon oil to sterilize counter tops
- Freshen the air
- Make lemonade
Please use caution when purchasing essential oils. Many stores carry essential oils that are for aromatic purposes only and they contain fillers and other ingredients. You must find therapeutic-grade essential oils if you want to use them safely on the skin and for consumption. I currently use Genesis Pure essential oils which are 100% PURE and USDA certified organic. They do not contain any fillers or carriers.
Please don't hesitate to contact me via Twitter (@mbouf) or Facebook (Melissa-Boufounos) for more information on essential oils and their uses.